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WNBF Pro Carol Marandola
Photo: Reg Bradford
CAROL MARANDOLA - A WOMAN ON A MISSION!
By Rich Fitter
To be a successful bodybuilder you must be an overachiever. To do it naturally requires a drive and determination that other athletes don’t have. New WNBF pro Carol Marandola has all of the above qualities and is ready to leave her mark in the big leagues.
Overcoming a herniated disk in her lower back in 2005 was one thing. But the resulting case of sciatica that famed Kessler Physical Rehabilitation deemed ”the worst it had ever seen” was another. Unable to train, sleep, drive or even tie her shoes without pain, Marandola contemplated her bodybuilding future in 2006. A respected personal trainer in her own right, Carol designed a workout that allowed her to prepare for the Naturalmania. Amazingly, Marandola finished second in the women’s heavyweight class and third in Novice Figure, despite not being able to perform to her full potential.
Inspired by her progress, the determined athlete set her sights on a WNBF pro card at the INBF Hercules the following June. Known for her fierce intensity in the gym, she trained like never before. Lifting weights five days a week and hitting cardio six, the result was a fuller, harder physique that helped her top the heavyweight class and gain a pro card.
Even when she is not competing, Carol stays close to the sport. First as a judge at the INBF Natural Mr. & Ms. Universe, then as a guest poser at the Drug-Free New Jersey Championships. As any student of the game will tell you, the more you know, the better you will be. Seeing the sport from a different point of view provides a great learning experience.
The muscular mom (her daughter Madison is 5 years old) plans on making her pro debut at Nancy Andrews’ American championships this spring. She stays lean year-round with a diet consisting of egg whites, oatmeal, chicken, sweet potatoes and natural peanut butter. Over the past year, she has consulted with WNBF pro Ekow Wilmot, an expert in precontest training.
Genetics can give you small hips, broad shoulders and full muscle bellies. Coaches can offer the best advice. But no one can give you the heart and resolve to become a champion. That is something that is intangible and immeasurable. Carol Marandola’s motto is “keep it natural and keep it real.” Before she even stepped on stage, Carol Marandola was a champion.
